There’s a quote that states, “You do not need permission to lead.” Something I have noticed lately, many leaders “beat” themselves up for doing their main responsibility…LEADING. Even though leading sounds very practical when you read about it in books, getting an entire organization to move in the same direction takes a lot of work and dedication. It also takes a lot of thought, tough conversations, boldness, and confidence.

As a leader do not forgot your #1 responsibility is to LEAD. It is not to please everyone or make everyone happy. It is not to make friends or start a new hobby. However, it is your responsibility to enact consistent practices that produce positive results within the organization. I have come to the realization, if you are going to accomplish anything significant as an organization; you are going to have to work at it daily. You cannot take shortcuts or try to skip around doing the heavy lifting. You have to work at it day after day. You have to make some mistakes and break a few eggs while trying to make the prefect omelet.

Next, you do not have to apologize for leading. Sometimes it is easy to get leader’s remorse; feeling sorry because you are holding people accountable. You feel sorry because you are trying to get everyone on the bus while trying to get the bus moving. Fortunately, you can do this strategically and tactfully. You do not have to be a “bully” or mean spirited. You can lead with fairness and consistency. Yes, it will be tough, but someone has to lead. Someone has to walk the talk and be the voice of vision.

To sum it up, you do not need permission to lead or your constituents’ permission to challenge them to be great. Steve Jobs did not need permission to be innovative or a forward thinker. He also did not wait for the perfect time or his constituents’ to get ready for his leadership. He came in a leader and left a leader. His vision was his drive, accountability measure, evaluation method, and his destination. If you start with your vision, your leadership will have a destination. Do not hold back because you are waiting for people to catch up to you. Remember YOU are leading and you do not need permission to do it. GET LOUD!